West Berkshire Council has begun a phased rollout of Match My Project, a new online social value platform designed to connect local voluntary and community organisations with suppliers that can offer funding, skills, time or goods to support projects across the district. The initiative forms part of the Council’s commitment to maximise the social value generated through its procurement activity and support stronger partnerships between local businesses and communities.

Match My Project helps connect supplier contributions with accredited community projects that support local priorities including employment, health, the environment and youth engagement. Through the platform, community organisations can showcase projects requiring support, while suppliers can identify opportunities to fulfil their social value commitments and demonstrate their impact.

The initial phase will involve selected organisations and suppliers joining the platform through a structured onboarding programme. Feedback gathered during this period will help shape the service ahead of its full implementation, planned for December 2026.

The platform supports the Council’s new Procurement Strategy and Think Local approach, which aims to increase opportunities for local SMEs and VCSE organisations, ensuring that more of the benefits generated through Council spending are retained within West Berkshire communities.

Councillor Vicky Poole, Executive Member for Strategy and Governance, Commercialisation and Disabled Community Liaison said: “Match My Project is an exciting opportunity to connect local businesses and community organisations, helping them work together to deliver meaningful social value across West Berkshire.

“By bringing organisations seeking support together with suppliers looking to make a difference, the platform will help turn social value commitments into practical benefits for local communities.”

Invitations to join the platform will be issued as the phased rollout progresses. Local suppliers, voluntary organisations and community groups are encouraged to look out for further information on how they can get involved, seek support or contribute to projects that benefit West Berkshire residents.